In the heart of Oldonyiro, where the arid landscapes stretch far beyond the eye can see, a quiet transformation is taking place. John Lenanyoike, a local shop owner and Last Mile Distributor (LMD), has become a beacon of nutrition in this remote part of Isiolo County. Linked with a factory in Tharaka through the Livelihood Department, John now supplies nutritional porridge to all the Last Mile Vendors (LMVs) across the Oldonyiro and Kipsing villages. His role in improving access to nutritious food has made a profound difference in combating malnutrition in these areas.

A Partnership for Health

John’s journey began when the Livelihood Department identified him as a key player in delivering nutrition to the far-flung villages of Oldonyiro. Through the Nawiri programme, John was connected with a factory in Tharaka that produces three main brands of nutritional porridge, each encompassing a variety of dried fruits and traditional leafy crops. These porridges are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibres that are vital for children under five and the elderly, both of whom are the most vulnerable to malnutrition.

“When Nawiri approached me,” John recalls with a thoughtful smile, “I knew this was an opportunity to do something bigger for my community. The porridge isn’t just food—it’s medicine for our children and elders.”

Supplying Nutrition to All

John’s shop in Oldonyiro is now a lifeline for the community, stocking these nutritious porridges alongside other essentials. Each porridge brand is carefully designed to provide a balanced diet, especially for those who lack access to fresh produce. The dried fruits and traditional leafy crops in the porridge have made it a favourite among villagers, not only for its nutritional value but for its taste and versatility.

“Families love it because the porridge lasts longer and doesn’t spoil easily, which is important when markets are only once a week,” John says. “It’s one of the few foods that can be stored and used without worrying about it going bad.”

As a member of the Oldonyiro Livestock Traders Sacco, John is supported by his fellow traders with the capital and loans needed to expand his business. This support has allowed him to ensure a consistent supply of porridge, even during tough times when fresh food is scarce.

“Being part of the Sacco has allowed me to grow my business,” John explains. “Now, I can stock more of the porridge and distribute it to LMVs who take it to the farthest villages in Oldonyiro and Kipsing. It’s not just about business anymore—it’s about ensuring every family has access to nutritious food.”

Curbing Malnutrition, One Village at a Time

Through his partnership with the Nawiri programme, John has become a key figure in reducing malnutrition in Oldonyiro and beyond. His shop supplies porridge to families who would otherwise struggle to find reliable sources of nutrition. The longevity of the porridge, compared to the perishable nature of fresh produce, has made it an invaluable resource for families, particularly for children under five and the elderly.

“I’ve seen the changes with my own eyes,” John shares. “Children who used to be frail are now full of life. The elderly, too, are finding strength in the nutrition this porridge provides. It’s a simple solution, but it’s having a huge impact.”

Expanding to Kipsing

John’s vision extends beyond Oldonyiro. He is already planning to open another shop in Kipsing, a village with a larger population that faces similar challenges to Oldonyiro. Like Oldonyiro, Kipsing’s market only operates once a week, on Fridays. The limited access to fresh produce means families often rely on non-perishable goods, which are not always nutritious.

“The people in Kipsing need this porridge as much as we do in Oldonyiro,” John says. “With the market only once a week, there isn’t a constant supply of fresh, nutritious food. But this porridge can last, and it provides the nutrition that families, especially the elderly and young children, desperately need.”

John’s plan to expand to Kipsing is driven by a desire to ensure that more people have access to consistent, nutritious meals. His success in Oldonyiro has shown him that it is possible to combat malnutrition with the right resources and determination.

“I dream of a future where no child or elder goes hungry in our communities,” John says with quiet determination. “We’re already seeing progress, and I believe we can make an even bigger impact by reaching more villages like Kipsing.”

A Vision for the Future

As John continues to expand his reach, his commitment to improving the health of his community remains steadfast. With the support of Nawiri and the Livelihood Department, he is helping to build a future where malnutrition is a thing of the past in Oldonyiro and Kipsing.

For the people of Oldonyiro and beyond, John Lenanyoike is not just a shopkeeper; he is a lifeline in their fight against malnutrition, a community leader dedicated to ensuring that everyone has access to the nutrition they need.